Overview

The music major at Calvin allows you to focus your studies in one of four concentrations: music theory/composition, performance, music history and music in worship. You may also opt for a general music degree, or pair your major with a number of other majors and programs offered at Calvin.

Careers in Music

• Band or Choir Director
• Composer
• Acoustic Engineer
• Vocal Coach
• More

See job placement rates for Calvin grads.

Student involvement

Perform at weekly recital hours; Study privately on one of twenty instruments; Participate in band, orchestra or choir.

Course Requirements 2012-13

Music major

(38-40 semester hours)

• MUSC-101 Introduction to the Musical World
• MUSC-108 Music Theory I
• MUSC-205 Music History and Analysis I
• MUSC-206 Music History and Analysis II
• MUSC-207 Music Theory II
• MUSC-208 Music Theory III
• MUSC-213 Aural Perception
• MUSC-305 Music History and Analysis III
• MUSC-308 Order, Meaning, and Function
• Ensembles (four semesters)
• Private lessons (four semesters, at least two semesters of piano)
• MUSC-180 Recital Hour (four semesters)
• Attend four concerts or recitals per semester, not as a participant (see the Music Department website for details.)
• Six additional hours of music electives

Music Theory/Composition Concentration

(44-46 semester hours)

• MUSC-101 Introduction to the Musical World
• MUSC-108 Music Theory I
• MUSC-205 Music History and Analysis I
• MUSC-206 Music History and Analysis II
• MUSC-207 Music Theory II
• MUSC-208 Music Theory III
• MUSC-213 Aural Perception
• MUSC-305 Music History and Analysis III
• MUSC-307 Music Form and Syntax
• MUSC-308 Order, Meaning, and Function
• MUSC-312 Tonal Counterpoint
• Two courses from:
  • MUSC-315 Instrumentation and Arranging
  • MUSC-316 Orchestration
  • MUSC-317 Composition: Beginning
  • MUSC-318 Composition: Intermediate
  • MUSC-319 Composition: Advanced
• Ensembles (four semesters)
• Private lessons (four semesters, at least two semesters of piano)
• MUSC-180 Recital Hour (eight semesters)
• Attend four concerts or recitals per semester, not as a participant (see the Music Department website for details.)

Applied Music Concentration

(50-55 semester hours)

• MUSC-101 Introduction to the Musical World
• MUSC-108 Music Theory I
• MUSC-205 Music History and Analysis I
• MUSC-206 Music History and Analysis II
• MUSC-207 Music Theory II
• MUSC-208 Music Theory III
• MUSC-213 Aural Perception
• MUSC-305 Music History and Analysis III
• MUSC-308 Order, Meaning, and Function
• Private lessons (eight semesters, four semesters at the 300 level). See advisor about piano lessons.
• Ensembles
  • for voice:
    • two semesters of MUSC-181 Oratorio Chorus within an academic year
    • eight semesters, including every semester after declaring a music major, from:
      • MUSC-131 Campus Choir
      • MUSC-141 Capella
      • MUSC-191 Women's Chorale
  • for strings:
    • eight semesters in MUSC-171 Orchestra including every semester after declaring a music major
  • for winds:
    • eight semesters, including every semester after declaring a Music major, from:
      • MUSC-151 Symphonic Band
      • MUSC-161 Wind Ensemble
      • MUSC-171 Orchestra
  • for organ:
    • two semesters within an academic year of one of the following:
      • MUSC-131 Campus Choir
      • MUSC-181 Oratorio Chorus
    • six additional semesters in any faculty directed ensemble
  • for piano:
    • six semesters in a faculty-directed ensemble, four of which must be in:
      • MUSC-131 Campus Choir
      • MUSC-141 Capella
      • MUSC-151 Symphonic Band
      • MUSC-161 Wind Ensemble
      • MUSC-171 Orchestra
      • MUSC-191 Women's Chorale
    • one semester of MUSC-222 Piano Accompanying and a second semester of MUSC-222 Piano Chamber Music
• MUSC-180 Recital Hour (eight semesters)
• Attend four concerts or recitals per semester, not as a participant (see the Music Department website for details.)

Music History Concentration

(49-57 semester hours)

• MUSC-101 Introduction to the Musical World
• MUSC-108 Music Theory I
• MUSC-205 Music History and Analysis I
• MUSC-206 Music History and Analysis II
• MUSC-207 Music Theory II
• MUSC-208 Music Theory III
• MUSC-213 Aural Perception
• MUSC-305 Music History and Analysis III
• MUSC-307 Music Form and Syntax
• MUSC-308 Order, Meaning, and Function
• MUSC-312 Tonal Counterpoint
• MUSC-390 Independent Study
• Ensembles (eight semesters)
• Private lessons (four semesters). See advisor about piano lessons.
• MUSC-180 Recital Hour (eight semesters)
• Attend four concerts or recitals per semester, not as a participant (see the Music Department website for details.)
• Music history electives: 6 hours

Music In Worship Concentration

(53-55 semester hours)

• MUSC-101 Introduction to the Musical World
• MUSC-108 Music Theory I
• MUSC-205 Music History and Analysis I
• MUSC-206 Music History and Analysis II
• MUSC-207 Music Theory II
• MUSC-208 Music Theory III
• MUSC-213 Aural Perception
• MUSC-235/REL-237 Christian Worship
• MUSC-236 Hymnology
• MUSC-237 Conducting
• MUSC-305 Music History and Analysis III
• MUSC-308 Order, Meaning, and Function
• MUSC-336 Musical Leadership in Worship
• Ensembles (four semesters, at least two semesters of MUSC-131 Campus Choir)
• Private lessons (six semesters). See advisor about piano lessons.
• MUSC-180 Recital Hour (four semesters)
• Attend four concerts or recitals per semester, not as a participant (see the Music Department website for details.)
• Music electives, 8 hours from:
  • MUSC-221 Piano Accompanying in Worship
  • MUSC-195 String Methods
  • MUSC-196 Brass Methods
  • MUSC-197 Percussion Methods
  • MUSC-198 Woodwind Methods
  • MUSC-312 Tonal Counterpoint
  • MUSC-315 Instrumentation and Arranging
  • MUSC-316 Orchestration
  • MUSC-317 Composition: Beginning
  • MUSC-318 Composition: Intermediate
  • MUSC-319 Composition: Advanced
  • MUSC-337 Instrumental Conducting
  • MUSC-338 Choral Conducting
  • MUSC-341 Vocal-Choral Pedagogy
  • MUSC-351 Choral Literature and Materials

Music minor

(20 semester hours)

• MUSC-101 Introduction to the Musical World
• MUSC-108 Music Theory I
• MUSC-205 Music History and Analysis I
• Private Lessons (4 semesters)
• Music elective (6 semester hours, 3 must be in classroom music courses)

Music in Worship minor

(21 semester hours)

• MUSC-101 Introduction to the Musical World
• MUSC-108 Music Theory I
• MUSC-235/REL-237 Christian Worship
• MUSC-236 Hymnology
• MUSC-237 Conducting
• Private lessons (two semesters of MUSC-110 Organ II or MUSC-221 Piano Accompanying in Worship)
• Two additional hours from:
  • MUSC-110 Organ II
  • MUSC-130 Voice II
  • MUSC-131 Campus Choir
  • MUSC-190 Guitar II
  • MUSC-221 Piano Accompanying in Worship

Scholarships

Dollar amounts reflect awards given for the 2012-13 academic year.

Kenneth E. and Jean Baker Mathematics and Music Scholarship

• award amount: $1,400
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need not required; enrolled in a for-credit music activity (ensemble or lessons)
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Kenneth E. and Jean Baker Nursing and Music Scholarship

• award amount: $1,400
• junior or senior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need not required; be enrolled in a for-credit music ensemble or activity
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Maurice and Eunice Bolt Scholarship

• award amount: $1,500
• senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; preference to those who wish to teach music or art within a public school system
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Janice Broekhuizen Music Scholarship

• award amount: $1,400
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.1+
• financial need required; demonstrate superior achievements in music
• apply through the music department

Jean C. Broersma Music Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need considered
• demonstrate achievement in Calvin's instrumental or vocal music activities
• apply through the music department

Arlene and Ray Bruggink Music Scholarship

• award amount: $2,800
• sophomore
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need required
• apply through the music department

Henry Bruinsma Family Scholarship

• award amount: $1,800
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required
• apply through the music department

Llewellyn L. Cayvan String Instrument Scholarship

• award amount: $1,600
• any class level
• financial need required; plan on performing with the Calvin College orchestra; must take private lessons
• apply through the music department

James J. and Helen A. DeJonge Voice Scholarship

• award amount: $1,800
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need considered; must be a voice concentrate
• apply through the music department

DeVries Church Music Scholarship

• award amount: $1,000
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required; proficiency in performance as a singer or keyboardist; interest in and aptitude for a career in church music
• apply through the music department

Harold and Louise Feringa Music Scholarship

• award amount: $2,000
• first-year
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required; must be involved in some aspect of music while attending Calvin; need not be a music major to qualify
• apply through the music department

Friends of Music Scholarship

• award amount: varies
• freshman, sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required; superior achievements, show great potential; participant in an ensemble; one new work performed; taking music lessons
• apply through the music department

Joseph Galema Music Scholarship

• award amount: $1,000
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required; preference given to those dedicated to organ performance
• apply through the music department

Harold and Gladys Geerdes String Scholarship

• award amount: $800
• sophomore, junior or senior
• financial need not required; be an outstanding string player (violin, viola, cello and/or bass)
• apply through the music department

Harold Geerdes Violin Scholarship

• award amount: $1,200
• junior or senior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need not required
• apply through the music department

Helene Hekman Gezon Voice Scholarship

• award amount: $1,500
• junior or senior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need not required
• apply through the music department

Allene Huizenga Goguen Music Education Scholarship

• award amount: $2,950
• senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need not required; preference to those with an interest in urban music education
• apply through the music department

Trena Haan Voice Therapy Scholarship

• award amount: $1,110
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required; majoring in voice, choral conducting or vocal music education; interest in studying the anatomy and function of the vocal instrument
• apply through the music department

John E. and June B. Hamersma Organ Scholarship

• award amount: $1,400
• first-year or sophomore
• GPA of 3.5+
• financial need considered; intending to study organ or church music with an emphasis in organ
• apply through the music department

Leonard J. and H. Elaine Hofman Music Scholarship

• award amount: $2,300
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; planning to use musical talents in worship
• apply through the history department

Henry and Nellie Holtvluwer Music Award

• award amount: $2,200
• junior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need considered; preference to those with the highest GPA
• apply through the music department

Marge Houskamp Organ Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• any class level
• GPA of 3.2+
• financial need not required; goal of becoming a church organist
• preference will be given to prospective first-year students each year
• apply through the music department

Kuipers Family Wind Ensemble Scholarship

• award amount: $1,450
• junior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need not required; be a current or future member of the wind ensemble
• nominated by officers of the Wind Ensemble; voted on by the members of the Wind Ensemble

Music Department Applied Music Scholarship

• award amount: varies
• first-year
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not considered; instrumental, vocal, piano and composition students; superior achievements, outstanding talent and musicianship; participant in an ensemble; one new work performed; taking private lessons
• apply through the music department

Tom and Marcia Nobel Music Scholarship

• award amount: $3,000
• first-year
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; interested in music; plan to be a member of band, orchestra or vocal group; preference to students from a church in Classis Thornapple Valley
• submit a letter to the Financial Aid Office (finaid@calvin.edu) describing your qualifications by February 1

Norman and Anne Noordeloos Keyboard Award

• award amount: $1,900
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required; demonstrating outstanding musicianship and proficient in performance
• apply through the music department

Oratorio Society Applied Music Scholarship

• award amount: $1,000
• first-year
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required; vocalists, string players with superior musical achievement
• apply through the music department

Norine E. Potts Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• any class level
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need not required; planning to enroll in organ music classes
• apply through the music department

Rainbow Foundation Wind Scholarship

• award amount: $1,000
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need considered
• apply through the music department

Roy A. Reimer Memorial Scholarship

• award amount: $2,100
• any class level
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required; profiency in playing the violin, viola or cello
• apply through the music department

Loren and Dian Rupke Music Scholarship

• award amont: $1,500
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• demonstrate financial need
• apply through the music department

Henry and Eleanor Scholten Viola Scholarship

• award amount: $1,200
• freshman, sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA 3.00+
• financial need required; must play the viola; preference given to students who participate (or will) in a chamber ensemble or string quartet; not necessarily a music major
• apply through the music department

Howard J. Slenk Music Scholarship

• award amount: $3,500
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required; preference to those going into choral conducting as a profession
• apply through the music department

Seymour Swets Voice Scholarship

• award amount: $1,600
• junior or senior
• financial need not required; proficient in performance as a singer and active in a faculty-directed vocal ensemble
• apply through the music department

John R. and Marie A. Swierenga Brass Scholarship

• award amount: $1,900
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need considered
• apply through the music department

John and Doris Van Dellen Music Scholarship

• award amount: $1,700
• junior or senior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need not required; outstanding musician but not necessarily a music major; first preference to those outstanding in vocal music
• apply through the music department

Vander Griend Voice Scholarship

• award amount: $1,550
• first-year
• financial need not required
• apply through the music department

Vander Heide Voice Scholarship

• award amount: $1,350
• first-year
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required
• apply through the music department

VanderBeek/Palma Piano Scholarship

• award amount: $4,000
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need considered; first preference given to music majors with a concentration in piano performance; second preference given to students studying piano who exhibit a high degree of proficiency
• apply through the music department

VanderHaagen Family Scholarship for Church Musicians

• award amount: $2,000
• junior or senior
• GPA of 2.7+
• financial need required
• apply through the music department

Judith Vroon Vander Zee Music Education Scholarship

• award amount: $1,400
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required
• apply through the music department

Vrieland Family Business and Music Scholarship

• award amount: $2,400
• any class level
• HS or Calvin GPA 3.0+
• financial need not required; involved in some aspect of music
• automatic consideration

Lloyd and Arlene Warners Family Keyboard Scholarship

• award amount: $1,800
• first-year
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need considered; preference given to piano students, then organists
• apply through the music department

Martin P. and Florence DeGraaff Wiebenga Scholarship

• award amount: $2,000
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need required
• automatic consideration

Gayla R. Witte Oratorio Scholarship

• award amount: $1,900
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; member of the Oratorio Society
• apply through the music department

John W. Worst Music Scholarship

• award amount: $1,500
• any class amount
• GPA of 2.5+
• financial need considered; interested in the art of music making. Preference will be given to those intending to pursue a career in opera, music theater, or who are active in such endeavors at Calvin. Must remain active in the music department.
• apply through the music department

Johanna Kempers Wyngaarden Scholarship

• award amount: $5,100
• any class level
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required; be pursuing an art studio major or an art education major OR be a music major concentrating in piano performance
• apply through the art and art history departmentor the music department

John and Betty Zandee Organ Music Scholarship

• award amount: $2,000
• sophomore, junior or senior
• GPA of 2.7+
• financial need required
• apply through the music department

Carol Lee Zylstra Memorial Church Music Scholarship

• award amount: $2,700
• any class level
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required
• apply through the music department

Gerald and Adriana Zylstra Piano Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• any class level
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required
• apply through the music department

View all scholarship opportunities

Faculty

Tiffany Engle director: Bands, also teaches Saxophone, Conducting, and Woodwind Methods Department of Music CFAC 183 tje4@calvin.edu (616) 526-6304 David Fuentes composition & theory Department of Music CFAC 241 dfuentes@calvin.edu (616) 526-6569 Phillip Hash music education Department of Music CFAC 243 pmh3@calvin.edu (616) 526-6022 Hyesook Kim piano, music appreciation Department of Music CFAC 185 hkim@calvin.edu (616) 526-6300 Joel Navarro director: Capella, Campus Choir & Oratorio Society Department of Music CFAC 168 jpn2@calvin.edu (616) 526-8749 Robert Nordling director: orchestras Department of Music CFAC 181 rn22@calvin.edu (616) 526-6258 Bert Polman musicology, department chair Department of Music CFAC 258 bdp5@calvin.edu (616) 526-6023

David Reimer private lesson instructor: violin, String Studio Department of Music CFAC 177 drr2@calvin.edu (616) 526-6259 Charsie Sawyer Applied Voice, Gospel Choir, Vocal Literature, Music Director/Musical Theater Productions Department of Music CFAC 179 csawyer@calvin.edu (616) 526-6823 Pearl Shangkuan director: Women's Chorale & the Calvin Alumni Choir Department of Music CFAC 170 pshangku@calvin.edu (616) 526-6519 Timothy Steele director: Collegium Musicum; musicology and music theory Department of Music CFAC 237 ths3@calvin.edu (616) 526-8523 John Varineau music theory; private lesson instructor: clarinet Department of Music CFAC 206 jvarinea@calvin.edu (616) 526-7813 Stephanie Wiltse director: Handbell Ensemble Department of Music CFAC 208 sww2@calvin.edu (616) 526-6253 Benita Wolters-Fredlund musicology, music theory, and music appreciation Department of Music CFAC 239 bw24@calvin.edu (616) 526-6909